Most people spend months preparing to move home.
They compare mortgages, negotiate offers, arrange surveys and complete endless paperwork.
Yet one of the biggest decisions often receives surprisingly little thought.
Who’s actually going to move everything you own?
When the day finally arrives, your removals company becomes one of the most important people in the whole process. A good team can make a busy day feel organised and straightforward. The wrong one can quickly turn excitement into frustration.
Choosing carefully is well worth the effort.
Book earlier than you think you need to
As soon as your moving date starts to look realistic, begin speaking to removal companies.
Good firms become fully booked surprisingly quickly, particularly during school holidays and on Fridays, which remain one of the busiest moving days of the week.
If your dates are flexible, asking about a midweek move could also reduce the overall cost.
Recommendations still matter
Online reviews are useful, but nothing beats hearing about someone’s real experience.
Ask friends, family or colleagues who have moved recently whether they would use the same company again.
If you’re relying on online reviews, look for consistent feedback over a long period rather than focusing on a handful of recent comments.
Reliable companies usually build their reputation steadily over many years.
Make sure you’re comparing like for like
Not every quotation includes the same service.
Some companies simply transport your belongings.
Others offer professional packing, furniture dismantling and reassembly, temporary storage or help with unpacking.
A cheaper quotation may not represent better value if important services have been excluded.
Before making a decision, make sure you understand exactly what’s included.
A proper survey leads to a better quote
The most accurate quotations usually follow a home visit or a detailed video survey.
This allows the removals company to assess access, identify any awkward items and estimate the size of vehicle required.
It also reduces the likelihood of unexpected costs appearing on moving day.
One piece of advice experienced movers often give is simple: don’t underestimate how much you own.
Almost everyone does.
Tell them everything
It’s tempting to forget about the contents of the loft, garage, shed or spare room.
Don’t.
Likewise, mention anything unusual that could affect the move.
Narrow roads.
Limited parking.
Steep staircases.
Large wardrobes.
Pianos.
Garden furniture.
The more information you provide in advance, the smoother the day is likely to be.
Don’t overlook insurance
Accidents are rare, but it’s sensible to understand what protection is available before the move begins.
Ask what level of goods-in-transit insurance is included and whether there are any limits or exclusions you should be aware of.
If you’re moving particularly valuable or sentimental items, it’s worth discussing these separately before moving day.
Having clear expectations provides reassurance for everyone involved.
Think carefully about the packing service
Packing your own belongings can reduce costs, but it also takes far longer than most people expect.
Professional packers are trained to protect fragile items efficiently and often complete in a few hours what might take several days at home.
Whether it’s worthwhile depends on your budget, available time and how much you’d like to take off your own to-do list.
Read the small print before you sign
Before confirming your booking, check a few important details.
Is the quotation fixed or based on an hourly rate?
What happens if your completion date changes?
Are there cancellation charges?
Will there be additional costs if access proves more difficult than expected?
Clarifying these points now can prevent misunderstandings later.
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value
It’s perfectly sensible to compare prices.
But choosing a removals company shouldn’t come down to cost alone.
Experience, reliability, communication and professionalism often make a far greater difference when the day arrives.
Saving a small amount on the quotation can quickly become a false economy if delays, damaged belongings or unexpected charges create unnecessary stress.
Moving home is a team effort
One thing people often discover after moving is that the best experience comes when everyone involved works together.
Solicitors, mortgage advisers, surveyors, estate agents and removals companies all play a part in helping the move stay on track.
At Location Location East, we’re always happy to share recommendations for local removals companies that our clients have had positive experiences with over the years. While every homeowner should make their own choice, having trusted professionals around you can make the whole moving process feel far more manageable.
It’s one of the reasons we’re proud to be founding members of the Ethical Agent Network. Honest advice doesn’t stop once a sale has been agreed. Helping people enjoy a smoother move is simply part of looking after our clients from beginning to end.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location east
